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The White Elephant

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At The White Elephant, a Nantucket Island Resorts property, the first thing you will notice, and the biggest wow factor, is its location on Nantucket Harbor, just steps from some of the island’s best beaches, shops and restaurants — and certainly with some of its best views. There’s much more to this historic hotel, though, and a stay here is rich in amenities and services.

Some of the best perks are in the guest rooms; whether it’s a gas fireplace, a deck overlooking the harbor or simply an oversized king bed topped with a friendly elephant pillow, your room will have charm to spare.

Beyond the accommodations — which range from rooms and suites in the main building to 11 shingled cottages and two downtown lofts — The White Elephant’s activities hold their own appeal. The water is a focal point, of course, and the luxury hotel can facilitate a boatload of excursions.

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Our Inspector's Highlights

The White Elephant Spa, which offers a “serenity room” and three treatment rooms, specializes in massages, body treatments and facials using natural ingredients like algae.

Brant Point Grill, is known for its seafood and steak. Whether you go for surf or turf (or both), know that the lobster Bloody Mary is a Nantucket rite of summer.

The location can’t be beat — you’re steps from nearly anything you could want to do on the island, including countless boat excursions. In fact, there’s a fleet of Hinckley yachts berthed at the hotel’s dock, ready to take you on a picnic or sightseeing trip.

The White Elephant is within walking distance of Nantucket’s popular Children’s Beach. There’s no need to pack your gear; the hotel will provide you with beach chairs and towels.

The cozy first-floor library serves as a hub at this luxury hotel, and for good reason. Every morning brings “early riser” coffee and tea and every afternoon from 4 to 5 p.m., look for complimentary port and cheese.

Things to Know

The White Elephant has been a Nantucket landmark on Easton Street since the 1920s.

It would be pleasant enough to sit on The White Elephant’s harborside lawn and gaze at Nantucket’s wharfs and waters. Comfortable lounge chairs elevate the experience, and summer cocktail service seals the deal: This is one of the best spots on the island.

You can even request a wagon full of beach toys from The White Elephant to make your day at Children’s Beach as relaxing as possible.

The Rooms

In the main building, choose from a guest room, guest suite, harborview guest room and harborview guest suite. The garden cottages, available in one-, two- and three-bedroom configurations, are located next to the main hotel around a beautifully landscaped and impossibly green lawn.

All rooms have high, plush king beds (though some can split into two twins, if preferred), and both types of suites include sitting rooms with queen sleeper sofas. Harborview suites also feature gas fireplaces.

All around, the décor is classic and mostly neutral — white duvets, brown leather headboards and white plantation shutters are accented with plaid and floral fabrics.

Though its design reflects its history, the luxury hotel is fully updated with renovated bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi throughout — and that extends to its 11 garden cottages.

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